Hours Later. At Firehouse 55

It was around 6:40 in the afternoon, Engine 55 rolled into the engine bay behind Squad. The brakes hissed on both trucks as everyone started to climb out. McCaffery was waiting there with his SUV in front of the station.

Stella softly sighed as she walked near the 'Old Beast'. "Ok, everyone, gather around." She called out.

Everyone, including Russell, gathered around near the Truck.

"I was on the phone with McCaffery here, he told me he talked with the Fire Commissioner regarding the funeral service for his father. Um…" Stella then let McCaffery take over. "Tomorrow's the funeral service for my father. My sister is flying into Hillwood so she can attend tomorrow." He told everyone.

Stella exhaled through her nose. "Alright, guys, get cleaned up, for those off-shift, you also get cleaned up, go home, rest, and see your families." Everyone nodded as small chatter began between one another.

"You alright, man?" Ben asked McCaffery. He only nodded.

"You told me the other day," Arnold started as he put an arm over Spinelli. "'Can't there be one good thing for once?' Right?"

"Yeah." She replied while she held his arm.

"We barely had anything good happen. I mean, look at Phoebe, how long without an update on Teddy? Look at Truck, we have that turd of a truck. We are constantly interrupted on our days off. I know there have been a few good things like Welch being stripped of his title and being suspended, but-" Spinelli put a finger on his lips.

"Arnold… just shut up. Just shut up, and let me do my thing." She stepped in front of him, stopping them, sensually grabbing his collar, her hands slowly cupping his face as she gave him a dreamy look. Her face slowly neared Arnold's face, and just like that, she pressed her lips against his. Initiating a passionate kiss between them, something they needed.

Only after a few seconds, they separated. "Doesn't that feel like a good thing?" Spinelli smirked while her hands were on Arnold's shoulders.

He smiled. "The best thing that can happen to me, Spin." He nuzzled against her nose, making her let out a small giggle. "Let's get cleaned up and go home?" He suggested.

"There's no point in asking if we're supposed to go home." She kept smirking and playfully had a finger right under his chin. "Now come on, I believe you and me still have bonding time to do with our little girl." She started walking away. Arnold smirked and followed behind her.

Later At Home…

Soon, Arnold and Spinelli were home, Arnold's arm over Spinelli as the two laughed and joked with one another.

The two also found that Bob and Flo were in the living room, mainly bonding with Andy. Arnold and Spinelli smiled as they soon looked at each other.

"You know, Spinelli, sometimes I wonder to myself what'll be of Andy when she grows up. I mean, I'm excited to see how Andy will look throughout the years, but I wonder what she'll choose for a career one day. I mean, look at Michelle, her father raised around the firehouse, and now look at her, now Captain of that very house." Arnold looked at Spinelli, who was looking at Andy, who was having a good time with Bob and Flo. "You know Arnold, I also wonder the same thing, but you know what? I have a small feeling she may follow in our footsteps, but for right now…" Spinelli looked back at Arnold. "Let's just worry about now, like I told you one night, she doesn't have to worry about her future, let alone at eleven-or-twelve months old." She soon kissed his cheek.

Arnold shook his head with a smile. "I love you, Spinelli." Arnold kissed her back. "You know, what are the chances Andy grows up to take my place as Squad Lieutenant one day?" He smirked.

"Oh, shut up!" Spinelli chuckled. "I bet she'll choose Truck over Squad!"

"No way! Squad over Truck any day! Squad clears!" He smirked. Spinelli then leaned right into his face. "What was that, hmm?" She gave a calm and intimidating smile. Arnold nervously chuckled and then gulped. "Alright, alright, you win." He decided to kiss her nose, making her blush.

Spinelli then walked to the living room. "Mom! Dad!"

"Oh, Pookie, there you are!" Flo looked over. "Ashley, we have to say, you and Arnold are raising a beautiful baby girl." She kissed Andy's forehead.

"Uh, Mom?" Spinelli started.

"Yes, Ashley?"

"You do know I'm not her birth Mom, right?" Spinelli asked, rather unsure.

"Oh, we know that, Pookie! We obviously know Andy doesn't look anything like you- Oh…" Flo's smile dropped as she noticed something that one day had to be discussed with Andy. "Have you two ever talked about… this? You know, discussing why Andy looks extremely different from you, Ashley?" Flo asked.

Spinelli gulped as Arnold placed his hands on her shoulders to comfort her. Arnold noticed that Andy looked a lot like his dead ex-wife, Rhonda Wellington Lloyd-Shortman.

Spinelli soon placed her hand on top of Arnold's hand. "Ma, Arnold and I haven't really thought about that, but in all honesty here, we really don't want to think about it right because we are extremely stressed over work, and all we want is to bond with our girl. We'll talk about it eventually, but not right now."

Bob and Flo nodded.

"We understand, honey. We'll leave you two be, for now." Bob replied as they stood up after Flo set Andy on the couch.

Bob and Flo walked up to the two and hugged them.

"We'll see you later, Pookie." Flo told her daughter. "Take care, you two." Bob told the two.

They soon let go and headed to the front door to head home.

After the front door closed, Arnold and Spinelli walked up to Andy while Diesel ran down the stairs to his water bowl.

"Hey, there, sweetie." Spinelli sat down and picked up Andy. "Ready to spend some quality time with Mommy and Daddy? We're sorry we aren't always here, but all we want is to be with you as long as we can." Spinelli smiled as Arnold sat beside her. He smiled and lightly pinched Andy's cheek. "We love you so much, sweetheart. All we can hope is that we can get the next few days off to be with you, our sweet little girl." Arnold slightly leaned over and kissed Andy's cheek.

Andy's face lit up with a smile. She then mumbled an 'M'.

Spinelli and Arnold looked at each other. "D- Did you hear what I heard?" Spinelli asked in shock. Arnold's face slowly lit up. "I certainly did… Our little girl is slowly growing up! Come on, sweetie! Anything else?"

Andy then mumbled a 'D'. Arnold and Spinelli smiled big smiles at each other. "Oh, my God! I think Andy is slowly learning to talk!" Arnold wrapped his arm over Spinelli and pulled her close for several kisses on her cheek. "Spinelli, I love you with my whole heart! You're such a loving and caring mother, a fierce, and tough Lieutenant firefighter, and such a passionate and loving wife. Spinelli, I'm more than honored to be able to call you my wife. I love you, Ashley Funicello Spinelli. Like I told you during your Medal of Valor honoring, you're the light of my life, my love, my all… Never did I imagine I'd live such a beautiful life with someone as beautiful as you. Andy is so lucky to have you." Arnold finished off his passionate words with a slow passionate kiss on her cheek.

Spinelli gave a big smile at Arnold after she set Andy on her lap. "Never did I think I'd spend my life with someone as loving, compassionate, and mainly, the best person overall. Arnold, you complete me. I never thought I'd ever be friends with someone like you, let alone be marrying you. I'm grateful every day I met you. As you told me, and I'll tell you, 'My light. My love. My all… My everything… My amazing and charming husband.' I love you and only you, Arnold Shortman." Spinelli had a small tear fall from her cheek.

Arnold warmly smiled. "Oh, come here, sweetie!" Arnold cupped her face and they soon started to passionately kiss one another.

After a minute, they soon separated with dreamy smiles on their faces. "Hey. How about we stay here for a while with our baby girl and soon get something to eat? What do you say?" Arnold suggested.

Spinelli leaned over for a quick peck on his lips. "Does that answer your question?" She smirked and then smiled. Arnold also smiled. "More than just the answer I was looking for. I love you." Arnold leaned over for another kiss.

As the two continued to kiss while Andy was looking around, Arnold and Spinelli would keep their word and spent the rest of their day with their beautiful little girl. They had an extra special moment during their dinner.

Later Before Bed…

After they kissed Andy goodnight, and after Arnold and Spinelli got out of the shower together, they soon sat down in bed together and looked back on their day.

Arnold held Spinelli's hand around her thigh. "Ready for another day?" He asked with a smile.

"'Course. We have a memorial service tomorrow, so, um… yeah. Tomorrow's a day to celebrate the life of a former Battalion Chief, and take the day to spend it with each other." Spinelli rubbed cheeks against Arnold's. Arnold only smiled and gave a small peck on her forehead.

"You're such a sweet person." Arnold rubbed her hand slowly. He proceeded to slowly kiss her cheek while she lightly giggled.

The Next Morning

It was an early morning with the sky partly cloudy, as it went inside the bedroom of Arnold and Spinelli, their bedroom door was slowly opened, but not by their roommates…

Barely any sound of footsteps but the sound of panting was heard. As a four-legged figure slowly walked to Arnold's side of the bed, who was holding Spinelli by the waist, the four-legged creature went onto its hind legs with its front legs on the bed.

Arnold slowly blinked his eyes open, rather annoyed since he wanted to sleep in for a few more hours. The waking smell of light perfume coming off Spinelli along with the fresh and beautiful smell of her shampoo and conditioner. Arnold couldn't help but smile at the fresh scent, but he looked over as he felt the back of his shirt surprisingly wet, and not from sweat…

It was their German Shepherd, Diesel, who reached around their bed height. He had licked Arnold's back several times.

"Diesel! Come on, boy, not now…" Arnold groaned while Spinelli lightly moved her arm in her sleep. Diesel whined as he sniffed at their clock. Arnold looked over. "Come on, Diesel, it's not time for your walk yet…" He turned around, back to Spinelli.

Diesel clenched onto their bedsheets with his mouth and started tugging on it.

Spinelli had woken up and slapped the bed. She sighed. "Ugh… So much for sleep." Arnold only shrugged as he slowly rubbed her shoulder. "Alright, Diesel, you win… Now go to the living room or wait for us outside, will you?..." Diesel stuck his tongue out in happiness after he let go. He soon ran out of their room.

"Guess I forgot to lock the door?..." Arnold nervously chuckled.

"Mmm." Spinelli rolled her eyes and sat up with him. She kissed his cheek. "Let's just get our day started." She smiled. Arnold smiled as well.

A Few Minutes Later At A Park

It was a pretty chilly morning at the park, both Arnold and Spinelli had their sweatpants and hoodies on. Since Spinelli was still exhausted from yesterday, Arnold was the one who was holding both Diesel and Bandits' leashes.

Spinelli put her hands in her pockets. "Man, who would've thought it'd be such a cold morning?" She asked. Arnold shrugged. "Just hold on for fifteen to thirty minutes and well head home, alright?" She nodded.

Bandit was trying to get ahead as he sniffed around while Diesel was just walking along.

"If it's cold now, you should try and see what winter will be like." Arnold smirked. Spinelli rolled her eyes. "Don't even mention anything cold 'cause ugh!" She yanked on her hair for a moment.

Arnold heard his phone go off. Before he reached for it, "Good thing Phoebe has the day off so she can look after Andy while we're gone." He said and reached for his phone. "... Hey, look at this!" Arnold showed Spinelli the text from his mother. "... We're getting the next four days off since we both barely had any time off? Per the Fire Commissioner and headquarters?"

"That's right!" He smiled. Spinelli gave a small sigh of relief. "Good. I want to be able to sleep and not have to worry about almost everything…" She looked at the two curious dogs who were sniffing around. "What are they even sniffing for?"

"That reminds me… I should find a good groomer for Bandit soon because it has been a while since we took him." Arnold mentioned.

"Yeah, you're right. Any idea of a good groomer's place?" Spinelli asked. Arnold only shrugged.

Meanwhile…

Stella and Russell were in the Deputy Chief's office, regarding McCaffery's memorial service. Russell was in street clothes while Stella was in uniform. After originally having a line-of-duty funeral arranged, the Fire Commissioner declined it.

"My father had a 37-year career, ran the busiest Battalion's in his district, and won the HFD's highest honors. If anybody deserves a full-scale Department send-off, it's him." Russell explained after being told they'll arrange only a color guard. "Man was a legend during his time." Stella added. "And it's unfair that the Commissioner called off everything last minute."

"I'm sorry for your loss, and we extend our sincerest condolences. But like I said, let's talk real world here. We can arrange an official color guard, without question. Attendance of senior officers is something I can try and coordinate-"

"But?" Russell asked.

The Deputy Chief sighed. "A full-scale funeral with a municipal parade? That's out of reach. Those arrangements are strictly for line-of-duty deaths." He replied while Russell was left in despair. "I'm sorry, my hands are tied…"

Soon after, Stella and Russell walked out of the office.

"It's hard to imagine that a veteran firefighter, who dedicated his life to this Department gets nothing but a flag and a 'thank you' and boom, they're done." Russell complained as they walked along.

"Look, I understand your frustration, but we're talking about the distinction for active-duty deaths, you have to know that's a long shot." Stella replied. "Chief, I know what you're trying to do, but there's nothing more we can do. I have things to do. Thank you for backing me up on this." Russell answered.

"Anything you need, just come to me." Stella added. Russell only nodded as he walked away.

Only A Half Hour Later…

After the group of Chiefs at Firehouse 55 were telling stories of Chief McCaffery, Stella stepped in.

"Russell McCaffery is one of the best firefighters I've seen in my career, and that's why I was hoping that the Department would show up for him." She started.

"Chief, you know that's out of our control, right?" Chief Beckett asked.

"The service is this afternoon, I'm not asking for the world! No parade! A show of support! As many Chiefs as possible, a room full of dress blues! I mean, for God's sake, SOMETHING! Something that honors what the name McCaffery means to this city and this Department. I'm asking for a small favor."

The group of Chiefs stood there with no answer but understood what Stella asked for.

Hours Later

It was around noon, just about five-six hours before Chief McCaffery's memorial service, and so far for Russell, he was in despair since his father wasn't getting the funeral he deserved. Now, as for others…

Arnold kissed Andy's cheek after toying with her with one of her plushies. "You precious little girl." He smiled as Spinelli came over and leaned on the couch. Their doorbell rang after.

Arnold stood up. "I'll get it."

He went to the front door and opened the door to see it was his mother.

"Hey, Arnold." Stella had a bit of a down look. "Mom, what's wrong?" Arnold pulled her into a hug. Stella merely sighed. "Eh. I- McCaffery originally had a line-of-duty funeral planned, but the Commissioner is declining his service, and well… What can I say? We tried fighting for it, but the Deputy Chief won't do anything about it. And my group of friends won't exactly do anything but…" Stella sighed as she just hugged her son.

"Any chance you'd like to come in?" Arnold offered.

"I don't know, hun. McCaffery's funeral is later this afternoon and he's practically getting nothing except a flag, a 'thank you', and just about nobody but us and his few family members showing up to his freaking memorial! I mean, that man dedicated his life to the HFD and he's getting nothing for his funeral!" Stella let go of her son and looked at him. She touched his cheek. "I just wanted to drop by to pay you a small visit and try to feel a little better by seeing my son, but… *sigh* I- I don't know."

Arnold nodded in an understanding manner. "All we can hope for is a miracle but it's a real long shot." Stella shrugged. "You said it. Ugh. I'll see you later, sweetie, I still have a few more things to sort out before I can finally get a break. Maybe we can spend some time here or maybe get a drink at Silver Tigers at the funeral procession?" Stella suggested.

"I think I'd be up for it." Arnold smiled. "Take care, Mom. Love you." He kissed her cheek and hugged her. Stella also kissed his cheek and hugged him back. "Love you too, sweetheart. I'll see you this afternoon." She let go and soon turned around to head back to her Battalion pickup.

Arnold sighed as he went back inside and closed the door. Spinelli came over after he locked the door. "What gives with that look? You were happy just a minute ago." She asked.

Arnold sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Long story. My Mom looks pretty stressed, looks like Chief McCaffery won't get his line-of-duty funeral like Russ intended."

Spinelli rolled her eyes with her hands on her hips. "So now the Chief won't have his funeral because they want to be cheap about it? I mean, what kind of bullcrap is this?! A man dedicated his life to this damn Department, only to end up with a shitty funeral?! This is compared to a normal funeral procession!" She ranted.

Arnold shrugged. "And the funeral Russ wants is strictly for active duty like us. And I really hope we won't have to go through that."

They only shook their heads as they went back to the living room.

Meanwhile

Most of the members of Firehouse 55 were alert of the situation. While nothing could be done since it was all up to the Fire Commissioner, Warren and Donovan decided to do a small favor…

"We're looking for an old Battalion Chief's badge?" Donovan asked the man.

"I think we should have what you're looking for, but exactly who's badge?" The man asked.

"Battalion Chief McCaffery." Ben replied. "Used to work for House 55."

"Um…" The man dug around his place. "I don't think we have his badge here but…" He found an old medal. "I do have this medal that was handed to Chief McCaffery way back. Guy was a legend." He handed over the medal.

Donovan took the medal. "I think this should be enough for Russ. Thanks a ton, man."

"Anything for a good cause."

Hours Later.

It was now afternoon, time for Chief McCaffery's funeral. The Fire Commissioner hasn't made any arrangements for the funeral. No trucks. No Chiefs. No nothing.

Arnold and Spinelli met up with their friends.

"Well, this is it." Travis had shown up without his eyepatch.

"You sure you can walk around without that thing?" Arnold asked. "As long as I don't go too long without it. It's in my pocket, just in case." Travis replied.

As the three briefly conversated, Donovan and Warren went inside and found Russell standing around and looking at his father's casket. Chief McCaffery's coffin was wrapped with the American flag.

"Hey, Russ. You have a minute?" Ben caught him.

"Yeah. Yeah, what's up?" Russell turned around. Donovan pulled a small box from his pocket. "We thought you'd like to honor your father with this." He handed over the box.

Russell looked at it curiously and opened it. It revealed an old medal of his father.

"W- You guys… How did you get this? I-" Russell was left speechless.

"Don't worry how we got it, we just wanted to do a small favor, from of all of us at 55." Warren gave a warm smile. Russell smiled. "Thanks, you guys. I really appreciate this. We may not have a proper funeral, but at least this makes up for something. My brothers, thank you..."

Donovan and Warren nodded. Russell looked back. "Well. It's time, guys…" The three friends soon walked to the front row.

Minutes Later…

While the funeral was very small, Chief McCaffery was honored nonetheless.

"... 'Come to me, all who labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle, and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.' This is the word of the Lord." The Priest finished.

"Amen." The small crowd said.

Russell then stood up after the priest left the podium. He soon walked up to the podium. He set down his bluish-black dress cap and looked around for a moment.

He exhaled. "My father was a legendary firefighter. I know this because he told me all the time." He chuckled with the small crowd. He looked at his father's medal. "But he wasn't wrong. On April 24th, 1992, he pulled seven people out of the William Hotel Fire. They were trapped, and nobody knew how to get to them, but my father wouldn't give up, even when the building was coming down on top of him… *small chuckle* that was David McCaffery. He always had to do things his own way. He was stubborn, and man, he was tough. Sometimes too tough for his own good. He'd battle the people he loved as hard as he'd battle any fire… But every now and then, when you needed him the most, he'd have your back, whether you knew it or not… No matter what the cost... It took me…" Russell choked on his tears for a moment. "It took me too long to figure that out… But I'll never forget it…" He looked at his father's picture. He looked back. And then, he put on his dress cap.

He walked down from the podium and to his father's casket. Some of his friends teared up. With his father's old burned and smoldered Battalion helmet, Russell delicately placed his Dad's medal on his coffin.

Now with the medal, and the old burned and smoldered helmet, Russell was now at peace. "Sleep tight, Dad… You earned it…" He gave one last look at his Dad's coffin. Arnold had several tears slip down his face since those were the exact words he told his father for his line-of-duty funeral.

And just like that, an overhead view outside the entrance was seen, with six members carrying the coffin out of the church slowly. Stella, Cruz, and Michelle on the left side of the coffin (in that order), Russell, Arnold, and Spinelli on the right side of the casket. Russell's sister was carrying their father's burned helmet. Everyone walked behind the six members carrying the coffin.

They exited the church slowly and turned to the left. After only a few steps, the chirping of a siren was heard with heavy truck engines. Everyone looked to see what was that noise.

Two Ladders, and an Engine, covered in bunting with their siren lights on. The front Ladder truck chirped its horn as the other two trucks spread out to roll up side by side. More chirping horns were heard to the left. Two Engines and a Ladder also covered in bunting with their siren lights on. Three trucks all lined up side by side on each side of them. A retro Bucket Ladder showed up with a Squad and Engine truck. Just around ten trucks showed up. The Ladder trucks near the sidewalk raised their ladders halfway to salute, Trucks 64 and 92. After the trucks stopped, members from those trucks all got out and lined up on both sides. The members behind the coffin soon lined up with the other members. Looks like a surprise arrangement was set up after all. Even the small black stripe on their badges was also set up along with 55.

"DETAIL, ATTENTION! … HUT!" Chief Walker called out. Everyone straightened out. "PRESENT ARMS!" Everyone slowly raised their arms and saluted.

"Battalion Chief David McCaffery has returned to quarters." Chief Beckett started.

A small bell started ringing twenty bells. Five rings, four times until twenty. Russell looked around, keeping his emotions in check but mainly surprised.

"He is cleared from all of his duties! He is gone, but never forgotten. May he rest in peace with his brothers and sister above." Chief Beckett finished.

Russell looked at Chief Shortman.

"Ready." Stella started as they faced forward with serious looks. "Step!" She called out.

And just like that, the slow walk began to the hearse. Chief Beckett stepped aside and saluted. The six of them slowly walked past the lines of saluting men and women, passing by Travis, Pep, Warren, and Dean while civilians in the background watched.

With Arnold and Spinelli behind McCaffery, Russell briefly looked down as he had tears falling from his face. He still kept calm despite the tears in his eyes and looked ahead. All he could do was soak in the special moment, knowing how hard he fought for it.

And soon, as they slowly walked by, turning left and away from the view, the scene tilted up slowly, showing the men and women saluting, tilting up even more, showing the half-raised ladders crossing each other and the view of the church. The view tilted higher, showing the top of the church with the crossed Aerial Ladders as everything soon faded out with Chief David McCaffery being laid to rest…